Beckman stays quiet about Illini quarterback decision

Illinois quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase had some reps with the first unit Friday. (Jason Wambsgans/Tribune photo)

TEMPE, Ariz. — Illinois coach Tim Beckman apparently will keep Arizona State -- and Illini fans -- guessing as long as he can.

Following a team walk-through at Sun Devil Stadium on Friday night, Beckman did not name the Illini starting quarterback for Saturday's game at Arizona State (9:30 p.m., ESPN).

Third-year starting quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase injured his left ankle in the opener against Western Michigan last week. He had some reps with the first team in practice Wednesday and Thursday and participated in the walk-through Friday in Tempe. Beckman said he would make the decision Saturday morning, an Illinois spokesman said.

Reilly O'Toole and Miles Osei have been competing for the starting spot, and Beckman said Illinois would likely use both players should Scheelhaase not play Saturday.